Spring is Here!!

Spring finally arrived and we survived the month of Amsheer or as it is called "sandstorm season." Sandstorms are similar to snowstorms only sand flies around and the sky looks like it's snowing tan or brown. Everything is sandy dirty and there is lots of cleaning to be done around the home.

We have made some purchases over the past few months: a dining room set, rugs, chandeliers without crystals, which are hard to come by here in Egypt without the chandeliers looking like using all the antlers for decorating (courtesy of Beauty and the Beast). You cannot imagine how many times I sang the song ". . . I use antlers in all of my decorating. . . " good old Gaston. We also bought a beautiful wall-size tapestry, and had our window curtains and drapes made by a professional decorator. Labor is quite affordable here and if you are one who can afford great fabric, the world is your oyster.

The weather is really pleasant. The hibiscus is blooming, along with the geraniums, jasmine and gardenias. I have been fighting spring fever as I get up at 5 a.m. every day to go to work by 7.

I love waking up early and hearing the adhan (the call to prayer). There is just a sense of peace that comes with listening to the adhan any time of the day. It makes me remember Allah - God and the beauty and gifts that he gives me in my life. I doesn't matter what one's religion is, just hearing the adhan reminds me to be grateful of everything, Alhamdulillah - thanks be to God.

We hope to go to Alexandria sometime this spring and start looking for a beach apartment. I don't know what we'll find, but as we buy new things for our home we have furniture that would make great beach furniture; you know too good to sell or throw away, so let's put it in a beach apartment. We want something we can use year-round and since Alex is only 2 hours away it's a great weekend destination, and somewhere I can drive on my own.

Ma'salaam,

Marian